There were some fabulous shots in this episode, which is not surprising as Serge Ladouceur directed it.

Here's a little appreciation pic spam. :)

I have to start with this one because look at all those lights on in the bunker! Ceiling lights, wall lights and lamps. I suppose it makes sense considering they are underground (that little window wouldn't provide much light). I wonder if they get an electricity bill?

Nice shot of the lamp between them. It feels like a return to the warmth we saw earlier in the bunker. Having the brothers work so closely together is visual evidence that they have been able to put their differences aside at the moment.

The lights on this building are fabulous. I have to figure that Serge isn't responsible for that but making the choice to have an exterior shot like this is. The blue and red of the building matching the blue and red on the flag. This also makes me think of heaven and hell.

This is my favourite. This whole scene is beautifully shot. That light through the trees is stunning.

It's curious that they chose to have Sam perched on the bench in this scene. A person being higher than another is usually about status (well, it is on the stage). Sam is tall anyway but to have him in a position that makes him even taller suggests he holds a certain level of power over Dean. I'm not sure if there's any message in that, or just that it looked interesting. It probably just looked awkward having them both sit on the bench - far too comfortable considering the state of their relationship.

Some atmosphere pools of light. These round lights are often used (the panic room, the "stone number one" warehouse and in Castiel's entrance in 4.01 come to mind). I also love Sam and Dean's looming shadows.

The Impala is so clean she can create reflections. Either there's lots of washing going on (please!) or that magical garage offers a free spit and polish service.

Facial lighting. *guh*

SO much love for this picture placement. It's so threatening. It's hard to tell if it's foreshadowing Sam's (potential) future or it was giving us an indication that someone was about to lose their head. I also love that it's Medusa - famous for her snake hair. Maybe it was just a way of poking a little fun at Jared. Whatever it means, it sure is cool.

So much love for this little moment. Isn't it curious how grounded the Impala makes Dean? They also share something - Dean's "marked" and so is his baby. It looks like Dean cares more about her than he does about himself. A lovely connection.

And how cool is this?!

This is freakin' awesome! I was curious why there was that "crown" outside of the apartment. I knew I had seen that sign somewhere before and lo and behold it's from the "King's Lair Motel" (2.15 Tall Tales).

As soon as I saw the crown I was like "I've seen that before!". I went searching and was delighted that it was from a motel called King's Lair (though I could have sworn I'd seen it somewhere else also...)

We have discussed the Dean moment - I love the symmetry of them both being marked and for once it wasn't played for laughs, there was a depth there of something so much more that really caught my eye and breath.

Is it just me or have there been a few moments just lately that have emphasized Sam's stature? I'd have to look to check but I'm sure there have been more 'look how much taller Sam is' moments, one I think with Crowley and one I'm sure I noticed with Dean. Now you're making me think if those were deliberate too. The Crowley one, most likely, but usually with Dean next to him they pull back on the height difference. But hey, maybe I'm just brain lagged...

I think that's why it stood out. There was something incredibly sad about it.

I've wondered about Sam's height also. I never really notice it in episodes (I think they do try to even them up) but I've noticed it more and more. Certainly when he was gadreel, but to have him so much higher than Dean in this moment is curious. I wondered by they didn't put Dean on the top - but some how it just seems right with Sam there. It might just be there to diminish his status because later on, when his will is sapped, he looks so vulnerable. It's like he's being stripped back (not literally unfortunately...;D) so he can be used as a weapon (man, I over think things.../o\).

I wonder if there's any hint of Swan Song parallels where Dean's bond with the car could be important. I'm probably overthinking it, but he's stripped down his room at the bunker -- he seems to be withdrawing from that home attachment -- but the Impala is an older, deeper association. Maybe it both echoes what happens to him and helps keep him connected to his history and emotions.

ooh,ohh, I just wrote my reply to El1ie and said a similar thing. It's like he's being stripped back. There's a sense of being emptied (or something) so he can be used. It's what I got from the bench sitting positions (hee..yep, I'm probably over thinking it too...;D). There's a vulnerability that's going to allow the Mark to take more of a hold.

It's also pretty sad - it's like he's hanging on to the one thing that's still tangible. Something he understands.

It's curious that they chose to have Sam perched on the bench in this scene. A person being higher than another is usually about status (well, it is on the stage). Sam is tall anyway but to have him in a position that makes him even taller suggests he holds a certain level of power over Dean. I'm not sure if there's any message in that, or just that it looked interesting.

I think the other thing is that perching is precarious? You have to be conscientious about keeping your balance, and you have to be pretty confident in the structure of the bench even if you're not, you know, a massive tank of a man. I thought it represented Sam's mental state quite nicely, actually.

Oh yes! Great thought. I like the idea of balance. And that Sam seems so confident even though his position is precarious. I actually think even if Serge didn't have specific reasons for the placement, there's all those elements in play (probably subconscious on his part).

I love that you've pointed out that Dean is marked, and so is Baby. Also, the painting of Medusa (Magnus losing his head), and Crowley + the crown. So interesting to find this kind of stuff in an ep. :)

That shot of Sam you chose, reckon that was about the time I decided - and this will come as news to you, as you probably haven't noticed - he is one hellishly gorgeous MAN! So glad he had grown up. mmmm, mmm, yummy.